Results of TB Treatment Adherence Supervision Using Volunteer Health Worker and Family Member Buddy System at Ban Kok Health Promoting Hospital, Phasawaey Sub-district, Somdet District, Kalasin Province.

Abstract

     This survey research by prospective study was conducted at Ban Kok Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Kalasin Province, from October 2024 to March 2025. The study sample comprised 9 newly diagnosed smear-positive tuberculosis patients, 9 patient relatives, 63 Village Health Volunteers, and 3 public health personnel, totaling 75 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Key activities included capacity building training, buddy assignment, medication supervision under the DOTS system, and home visit follow-ups Results Following training, participants with high-level knowledge increased from 28.17% to 57.75%. Screening of 45 household contacts was completed 100%, with 18 cases (40%) referred to physicians. All sputum examination results were negative. Patients experienced initial side effects that improved over time. The sputum conversion rate at 2 months was 100%, cure rate was 88.89%, treatment completion rate was 11.11%, and treatment success rate was 100% Conclusion The DOTS implementation using a buddy system comprising Village Health Volunteers and patient relatives demonstrated high effectiveness, resulting in a 100% treatment success rate among tuberculosis patients. This model can be adapted and applied in other areas.